The removal of scaffolding from a prime town centre building has turned the site into a "hotel for pigeons and seagulls", say concerned residents.

Pink weather-resistant boarding is now on display at Queens House in Folkestone, which sits above a number of shops including the Bonmarche clothing store.

In 2018, plans were approved to convert the “underutilised and unloved office building into 24 high-quality apartments, many with great views out to the sea".

But work on the project - led by applicant Kevin Matthews - has now paused and residents fear the site will "cause further damage to the high street".

"It's an eyesore," one shopper told KentOnline this week.

"This part of the town centre is already neglected and now we have this massive ugly building making it even worse.”

In a Facebook post published in the Folkestone Residents Group, another shopper said: “The building is open to the elements and is serving as a hotel for bats, pigeons and seagulls.

“I wonder if the council is aware of this.”

Cllr Laura Davison (Lab), who represents the Folkestone Central Ward on Folkestone and Hythe District Council, says she is in agreement with residents about the building.

"After looking at the building it is definitely an eyesore," she said.

“We will be looking into this."

The prominent site sits on the corner of Sandgate Road and Guildhall Street, close to where scores of umbrellas were installed in May.

The eye-catching art installation was only in place for four days due to heavy winds.

Another resident added: "The umbrellas were a disaster and now we have another blight in our town.

"Guildhall Street is a mess as it is. I hope this is dealt with quickly.”

Elsewhere in the town centre, plans to convert the upper floor of the former Pilgrims Hospice shop into flats has been approved.

The Sandgate Road development - next to the town's former Debenhams - will provide a total of eight new homes which include four one-bedroom flats and four two-bedroom flats.

This will include the erection of an extension from the first to the fourth floor and other external alterations.

The owner of the Queens House office block was approached for a comment by KentOnline.